Monthly Archives: April 2014

The Los Angeles Times “Science Now” blog reports that according to a study published in JAMA Dermatology, “free samples of prescription drugs may seem like a great deal for patients.” However, even when physicians “think they’re doing patients a favor … Continue reading →

Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on the potential risks and benefits of mammography is the latest of several studies suggesting that mammograms may not be as beneficial as previously believed.

The New York Times “Well” blog reports that according to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, “physical activity” may be protective of aging eyes.

CNN reports that according to a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, “people who eat up to seven servings of fruit and vegetables a day can cut their risk of death by 42% – and that … Continue reading →

Fox News reports that casual marijuana use may come with some not-so-casual side effects. For the first time, researchers have analyzed the relationship between casual use of marijuana and brain changes – and found that young adults who used cannabis … Continue reading →

NBC Nightly News reported that “researchers have found that weight loss surgery for” patients with type 2 diabetes “can be more effective than taking medication in beating this disease.”

In recent tests ConsumerLab.com identified many high-quality supplements, of which a few cost only pennies a day. Pitfalls exist, however: Four of the 30 supplements selected for review failed testing, including 2 for children. 

The New York Times reports that a study published in the BMJ has tied “several common anti-anxiety drugs and sleeping pills to an increased risk of death.”

The New York Times “Room for Debate” blog solicits the opinions of four experts to address whether vaccinations should be made mandatory for all children.

The AP reports that “sitting in a tub of warm water can relieve a mom-to-be’s pain during the early stages of labor, but actually giving birth under water has no proven benefit and may be risky, say recommendations” from the … Continue reading →

The New York Times reported that a new study of data “suggests that giving birth in a hospital is considerably safer than having a baby at home or in a birthing center.”

The New York Times reports that according to a correspondence published in the New England Journal of Medicine, “some widely used over-the-counter cold and flu medicines may be exposing patients to unexpectedly high amounts of one ingredient, revealing a lapse … Continue reading →

For those of you who dislike daylight saving time, here’s another reason to add to your list. Reuters reports that research presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting suggests that the switch to daylight saving time may be linked to … Continue reading →

The New York Times reported in its “Well” blog a new study suggests that altering the way sports teams warm up before practices and games could significantly cut the risk of injuries to anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL.”

The AP reported that an FDA panel has voted to recommend an experimental “test that uses DNA to detect colon cancer and precancerous growths.” The article noted the panel voted 10-0 “that the benefits of Exact Sciences’ Cologuard test,” which analyzes … Continue reading →

The New York Times reports in its “Well” blog on exercises that are helpful to reduce osteoporosis. The post says that “activities that involve impacts with the earth, such as running and jumping, are the most effective way to improve bone … Continue reading →

The NPR “Shots” blog reports that research presented at the European Breast Cancer Conference suggests that “exercise reduces women’s risk of breast cancer,” regardless of “what kind of exercise they do, how old they are, how much they weigh, or … Continue reading →

Reuters reports that according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, playing video games of a violent nature may be associated with violent thoughts and even hostile behavior in youngsters.

The Washington Post reports that last autumn, “the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated guidelines for children and adolescents using media, recommending no more than two hours per day of any type of entertainment screen time for kids ages … Continue reading →

Research presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting suggests that diet drinks may increase heart risks in older women.

The Huffington Post reports that research presented at an American Heart Association scientific sessions meeting and published online in Stroke suggests that “many women would not be able to identify the signs of a stroke.”

The AP reports that a small postmortem study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that autism begins in the latter part of pregnancy. The study “examined brains from children who died found abnormal patterns of cell growth in” … Continue reading →

A report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that one in 68 US children has received a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder. The figures represent a 29 percent increase from two years ago. The increase … Continue reading →

Time reports that according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology & Prevention/Nutrition, Physical Activity & Metabolism meeting, “an authoritarian parenting style is worse for … children’s weight than an authoritative one.”

The NPR “Shots” blog reports that research published in Pediatrics suggests that “the activity level of young children is directly linked to that of their mothers.”

I have an article in the January issue of Charisma Magazine entitled, “When Children Die Because They’re Overweight.” You can read the article here. The abstract to the article says, “To develop good health and nutrition practices, children and young people need responsible … Continue reading →

It’s a moment most of us dread—a solemn-faced doctor enters a room, looks you in the eyes, and says you only have a few months to live. As a doctor, I’ve had to deliver that news, and it’s never easy. Yet, … Continue reading →

Long-time readers know that I have a bi-monthly column in the Significant Living Magazine. My article for the April-May issue is on “Health Tips for International Travel.” The article also has a side bar on “Preventing Travelers Diarrhea.” You can read … Continue reading →

A shopping trip with young kids can be quite a juggling act—and as it turns out, a potentially dangerous one. There’s more than falling prices going on.